An exciting new outdoor area has been unveiled in L'Derry city centre.

Work was completed on an outdoor seating and dining area on Bishop Street, with Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Sandra Duffy declaring the area officially open.

The works were being carried out under the Covid Recovery Revitalisation Scheme, which is supported by funding from the Department for Communities.

The scheme forms part of a programme of interventions aimed at revitalising town and city centres emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, including environmental and infrastructural improvements as well as a business support plan

As part of the innovative design, a temporary public realm space has been created to enhance the character of Bishop Street, with the creation of new outdoor seating and outdoor dining areas to assist local businesses in the area to attract an increased footfall and more amenities for customers to avail of.

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The temporary pilot is in place for an initial trial period of 18 months and forms part of the projects initially launched and consulted on by Derry City and Strabane District Council in 2021 under its Streetlife & Vibrant Places Strategy.

The work on the project took place over the summer period with some minor disruption to businesses, pedestrians and traffic during this period. 

Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey said: "The funding my Department has made available to councils through the Covid Recovery Revitalisation project continues to help our towns and cities as they continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic. 

"The completion of the works at Bishop Street in Derry will provide outdoor dining space where people can safely meet and socialise, increasing footfall and regenerating the area. 

"This is one of a number of schemes that has been delivered through my Department's funding in order to meet local need, support businesses and stimulate much-needed growth for the local economy."

Welcoming the work, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy added: "Bishop Street is a busy and popular business thoroughfare and this work is a really positive way of supporting the businesses in this part of the city centre as they continue their recovery from the extremely challenging pandemic period. We hope this investment will not only help instill some confidence back into the city centre and attract greater footfall, but will also reinforce the message around making our city centre more pedestrian friendly within our historic walled city. I think it creates a very sociable and friendly space where friends and family can congregate in a safe outdoor environment while supporting local businesses."